System and method for multi-axis imaging of specimens

ABSTRACT

A specimen holding and positioning apparatus operable to substantially non-movably maintain a specimen (e.g., an excised tissue specimen) in a fixed or stable orientation with respect to the apparatus during imaging operations (e.g., x-ray imaging), transport (e.g., from a surgery room to a pathologist&#39;s laboratory), and the like for use in facilitating accurate detection and diagnosis of cancers and/or other abnormalities of the specimen.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/913,539, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-AXIS IMAGING OFSPECIMENS,” and filed on Mar. 6, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,322,412,which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/251,061,entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-AXIS IMAGING OF SPECIMENS,” filedon Aug. 30, 2016, and now U.S. Pat. No. 9,943,850, which is acontinuation of International Patent App. No. PCT/US2015/017786,entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-AXIS IMAGING OF SPECIMENS,” andfiled on Feb. 26, 2015, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApp. No. 62/045,073, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-AXIS IMAGINGOF SPECIMENS,” and filed on Sep. 3, 2014, and to U.S. Provisional PatentApp. No. 61/948,462, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-AXIS IMAGINGOF SPECIMENS,” and filed on Mar. 5, 2014, the entire contents of whichare incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to tissue specimen analysis and, moreparticularly, to devices and methods for maintaining an excised tissuespecimen in a fixed or stable orientation during imaging and transportto facilitate accurate detection of tissue margins, diagnosis of tissueabnormalities, and the like.

Description of Related Art

Definitive diagnosis of cancers such as breast cancer is typicallyaccomplished through the surgical removal (e.g., biopsy) of thesuspicious tissue (e.g., lesion) by a surgeon for further examination bya radiologist and/or pathologist. After a surgeon has appropriatelyidentified a location of a possible lesion, the surgeon proceeds toexcise tissue that includes the lesion and then verify that the entiretyof the suspicious area is within the margins of the excised tissue. Inthis regard, a radiologist or the like will often x-ray or otherwiseimage the excised tissue specimen from multiple views (e.g., orthogonalviews) to confirm appropriate tissue margins. In the event that the areaof interest is too close or even contacts the tissue margins, thesurgeon may need to excise additional tissue.

Once the tissue margins have been confirmed, the surgeon may thenappropriately mark or otherwise indicate where on the excised tissuespecimen a pathologist should focus during subsequent analysis anddiagnosis. For instance, the excised tissue specimen may be positionedflat relative to a location identification member such as a grid orcoordinate system (including any appropriate radiopaque lines, indicia,or the like) and then imaged (e.g., x-rayed) so that the gridlines/indicia appear in the resulting image. The surgeon may thenappropriately inform the pathologist the location(s) of the mostsuspicious areas in the resulting image (e.g., by providing coordinates,marking directly on the image, etc.). The resulting image and excisedtissue specimen may then be sent to the pathologist for performing adiagnostic procedure and providing a diagnostic opinion.

During all or most of the period between tissue specimen excision up toand including pathologist diagnosis, it is important for the tissuespecimen to remain in a substantially constant shape and/or asubstantially undisturbed position with respect to some particularreference point or device (e.g., relative to a tray or carrier used totransport the specimen). For instance, reshaping of the tissue specimen(e.g., compressing, folding, etc.) between the taking of first andsecond orthogonal images (e.g., for use in tissue margin detection) canmake accurate tissue margin analysis difficult or even impossible. Asanother example, the pathologist may have difficulty reconciling thelocations on the resulting image identified by the surgeon orradiologist and corresponding locations on the actual excised tissuespecimen and possibly leading to an inaccurate diagnosis in the eventthat the tissue specimen is moved relative to the grid or coordinatesystem during transport from the surgeon or radiologist to thepathologist.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to devices, methods and systems(i.e., utilities) for maintaining an excised tissue specimen in a fixedor stable orientation during imaging and transport to facilitateaccurate detection of tissue margins, diagnosis of tissue abnormalities,and the like. In one regard, the disclosed utilities may be used tofacilitate accurate and efficient multi-axis imaging (e.g., orthogonalimaging) of a tissue specimen. In another regard, the disclosedutilities may be additionally used to facilitate substantiallyhorizontal or flat imaging of the tissue specimen and a corresponding atleast partially radiopaque grid or coordinate system to allow a surgeonor radiologist to accurately identify suspicious locations or areas inthe excised tissue specimen to be subsequently analyzed by a pathologistor the like. In a further regard, the disclosed utilities may beadditionally used to facilitate transport of the excised tissue specimenbetween two or more locations in a manner at least substantially free ofchanges in position or orientation of the tissue specimen relative to areference location or device. Still further, the disclosed utilities maybe used to substantially limit deformation and/or changes in shape ofthe specimen during imaging, transport, and the like.

In one aspect, an apparatus for positionably retaining a tissue specimenfor imaging is disclosed including first and second positioning membersthat are broadly configured to retain a tissue specimen therebetween foruse in specimen imaging, transport, diagnosis, and the like. Moreparticularly, each of the first and second positioning members includesa portion thereof that is at least partially elastically deformable(e.g., made of a radiolucent material, such as a film or layer ofmaterial, polymeric foam, etc. so that fixable positioning of the firstand second positioning members allows the portions to retain a tissuespecimen therebetween within a specimen support volume of the apparatus.First and second orthogonal axes of the apparatus extend through thespecimen support volume and a reference plane extends between theportions of the first and second positioning members when the first andsecond positioning members are fixably positioned relative to eachother.

The apparatus also includes a first volume extending about and along thefirst axis from a first external side of the apparatus to a secondexternal side of the apparatus and encompassing the specimen supportvolume and a second volume extending about and along the second axisfrom a third external side of the apparatus to a fourth external side ofthe apparatus and encompassing the specimen support volume. Each of thefirst and second volumes is free of any portion having a density greaterthan either a density of the portion of the first positioning member ora density of the portion of the second positioning member. Imaging ofthe specimen along the orthogonal first and second axes to obtainrespective first and second images of the specimen (e.g., for use inverifying tissue margins, etc.) results in reduced levels of signalattenuation and thus increased quality (e.g., contrast, resolution,etc.) of the first and second specimen images.

In one arrangement, the apparatus may include or be usable with a gridmember (e.g., sheet, board, etc.) having a series of grid lines (e.g.,at least partially radiopaque grid lines) across at least one surfacethereof for use in imparting the grid lines into resulting images of thetissue specimen (e.g., horizontal or flat images of the that may be usedby a surgeon or radiologist to accurately indicate areas of interest onthe specimen). In one embodiment, the grid member may be in the form ofa rigid board (e.g., low attenuating or radiolucent material such asfoam) that may be placed inside of the apparatus over one of theelastically deformable portions. Upon placing a tissue specimen onto thegrid board, the first and second positioning members may be fixablypositioned relative to each other (i.e., the apparatus may be closed) soas to at least partially deform the first and second sheet members aboutthe tissue specimen and the grid board and thereby suspend the tissuespecimen and grid board within the first and second openings of thefirst and second positioning members.

Various refinements may exist of the features noted in relation to thevarious aspects. Further features may also be incorporated in thevarious aspects. These refinements and additional features may existindividually or in any combination, and various features of the aspectsmay be combined. In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodimentsdescribed above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent byreference to the drawings and by study of the following descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and furtheradvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following DetailedDescription, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first or lower positioning member of aspecimen holding apparatus according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lower positioning member of FIG. 1but with a tissue specimen disposed over an at least partiallyelastically deformable portion thereof.

FIG. 3 illustrates the perspective view of the lower positioning memberof FIG. 2 and with a second or upper positioning member disposed abovethe lower positioning member.

FIG. 4 shows the lower and upper positioning members being fixablypositioned relative to each to retain the tissue specimen between the atleast partially elastically deformable portions thereof, where theapparatus is in a first orientation relative to a support surface.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view through the apparatus and tissue specimen ofFIG. 4 along the line 5-5 and illustrating an electromagnetic radiationsignal being transmitted along a first axis through the apparatus andthe tissue specimen to obtain a first image of the tissue specimen.

FIG. 6 shows the lower and upper positioning members being fixablypositioned relative to each to retain the tissue specimen between the atleast partially elastically deformable portions thereof, where theapparatus is in a second orientation relative to the support surfacethat is 90° relative to the first orientation.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view through the apparatus and tissue specimen ofFIG. 6 along the line 7-7 and illustrating an electromagnetic radiationsignal being transmitted along a second axis through the apparatus andthe tissue specimen to obtain a second image of the tissue specimen.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lower positioning member of FIG. 1according to another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the lower and upper positioning membersof FIG. 3 according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 9 but showing the lowerand upper positioning members being fixably positioned relative to eachother to retain a tissue specimen between at least partially elasticallydeformable portions thereof.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lower positioning member of FIG. 1according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the lower positioning member of FIG. 11being fixably positioned relative to an upper positioning member toretain a tissue specimen between at least partially elasticallydeformable portions thereof.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view through the apparatus and tissue specimen ofFIG. 12 along the line 13-13 and illustrating an electromagneticradiation signal being transmitted along an axis through the apparatusand the tissue specimen to obtain an image of the tissue specimen.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a specimen holding apparatus accordingto another embodiment, in an open orientation.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 14, but additionallyillustrating at least partially elastically deformable portions of lowerand upper positioning members of the apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 15 but with a tissuespecimen disposed over an at least partially elastically deformableportion of a lower positioning member of the apparatus.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 15 in a closedposition so that at least partially elastically deformable portions ofupper and lower positioning members of the apparatus retain the tissuespecimen therebetween, where the apparatus is in a first orientationrelative to a support surface.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view through the apparatus and tissue specimen ofFIG. 17 along the line 18-18 and illustrating an electromagneticradiation signal being transmitted along a first axis through theapparatus and the tissue specimen to obtain a first image of the tissuespecimen.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 17, but with the apparatusin a second orientation relative to the support surface that is 90°relative to the first orientation.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view through the apparatus and tissue specimen ofFIG. 19 along the line 20-20 and illustrating an electromagneticradiation signal being transmitted along a second axis through theapparatus and the tissue specimen to obtain a second image of the tissuespecimen.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a specimen holding apparatus accordingto another embodiment, in an open orientation.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 21 but with a tissuespecimen disposed over the at least partially elastically deformableportion of a lower positioning member of the apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 22 in a closedposition so that the at least partially elastically deformable portionsof upper and lower positioning members of the apparatus retain thetissue specimen therebetween, where the apparatus is in a firstorientation relative to a support surface.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view through the apparatus and tissue specimen ofFIG. 23 and illustrating an electromagnetic radiation signal beingtransmitted along a first axis through the apparatus and the tissuespecimen to obtain a first image of the tissue specimen.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 23, but with the apparatusin a second orientation relative to the support surface that is 90°relative to the first orientation.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view through the apparatus and tissue specimen ofFIG. 25 along the line 26-26 and illustrating an electromagneticradiation signal being transmitted along a second axis through theapparatus and the tissue specimen to obtain a second image of the tissuespecimen.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a specimen imaging apparatus includinga specimen holding apparatus according to another embodiment beingpositioned within an imaging chamber of the specimen imaging apparatus.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a first positioning member of thespecimen holding apparatus of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the specimen holding apparatus of FIG.27.

FIG. 30 is a close-up perspective view of FIG. 27 and illustrating thespecimen holding apparatus being positioned in a first orientationwithin the imaging chamber.

FIG. 31 is a close-up perspective view of FIG. 30 and illustrating thespecimen holding apparatus being positioned in a second orientationwithin the imaging chamber that is 90° relative to the firstorientation.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a lower positioning member of aspecimen holding apparatus according to another embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 32 but with a tissuespecimen disposed over an at least partially elastically deformableportion of the lower positioning member.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 33 but showing an upperpositioning member being fixably retained relative to the lowerpositioning member so that at least partially elastically deformableportions of the upper and lower positioning members retain the tissuespecimen therebetween.

FIG. 35 is a flow diagram illustrating one method for use in tissueabnormality diagnosis.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a specimen holding apparatus accordingto another embodiment.

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of the specimen holdingapparatus of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the specimen holding apparatus of FIG.36 with a specimen received in an opening of a first positioning memberof the apparatus.

FIG. 39 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 38 and showing an imagingsignal passing through the specimen along a first axis through theapparatus.

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the specimen holding apparatus of FIG.39 and showing a second positioning member being inserted into theopening of the first positioning member.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the specimen holding apparatus of FIG.40 but in a second orientation.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 41 and showing an imagingsignal passing through the apparatus along a second axis.

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a packaging for a specimen holdingapparatus according to one embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which assist inillustrating the various pertinent features of the various novel aspectsof the present disclosure. In this regard, the following description ispresented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, thedescription is not intended to limit the inventive aspects to the formsdisclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modificationscommensurate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge ofthe relevant art, are within the scope of the present inventive aspects.

With initial respect to FIGS. 1-5, a specimen holding and positioningapparatus 100 is disclosed that is operable to maintain a specimen 300(e.g., an excised tissue specimen) in a fixed or stable orientation withrespect to the apparatus 100 during imaging operations (e.g., x-rayimaging), transport (e.g., from a surgery room to a pathologist'slaboratory), and the like to facilitate the accurate detection anddiagnosis of cancers and/or other abnormalities of the specimen 300.Broadly, the apparatus 100 includes a first or lower positioning member104 having a body 112 and an at least partially elastically deformableportion 116 (e.g., a “retention” portion or member), and a second orupper positioning member 108 having a body 120 and an at least partiallyelastically deformable portion 124 (e.g., a “retention” portion ormember). Upon placement of at least one specimen 300 over theelastically deformable portion 116 of the first positioning member 104and then securement of the second positioning member 108 to the firstpositioning member 104, the elastically deformable portions 116, 124 ofthe first and second positioning members are respectively configured toelastically deform about opposite portions of the specimen 300 tothereby retain the specimen 300 therebetween within a specimen supportvolume 128 of the apparatus 100 (see FIG. 5) for use in accurate imagingof the specimen, transport of the specimen and the like.

The apparatus 100 includes one or more features that allow for fixablepositioning of the first and second positioning members 104, 180 toallow for substantial non-movable retaining of the specimen 300 betweenthe first and second elastically deformable portions 116, 124 within thespecimen support volume 128 of the apparatus 100. In one arrangement,the first and second positioning members 104, 108 may each include atleast one respective connection member such as first and secondconnection members 132, 136 that are respectively configured to engagewith the second and first connection members 136, 132 of the other ofthe first and second positioning members 104, 108. More particularly,each first connection member 132 of one of the first and secondpositioning members 104, 108 may be complimentary and removablyconnectable to a respective second connection member 136 of the other ofthe first and second positioning members 104, 108 to fixedly positionthe first and second positioning members 104, 108 relative to eachother. In one embodiment, each of the first and second positioningmembers 104, 108 may include at least one first connection member 132and at least one second connection member 136 adjacent respective firstand second external sides of the apparatus 100.

For instance, each first connection member 132 may be in the form of aprotrusion (e.g., tab, post, detent, etc.) and each second connectionmember 136 may be in the form of a complimentary-shaped and sized recess(e.g., opening, hole, etc.). In one embodiment, the first connectionmembers 132 may be press fit into the second connection members 136. Inanother embodiment, the first connection members 132 may be snapped pastand/or deformed into the second connection members 136. For instance,the various pairs of first and second connection members 132, 136 may beconfigured so that upon application of a particular separation force tothe apparatus (i.e., a force tending to separate the first and secondpositioning members 104, 108 such as via a user grasping one of thefirst and second positioning members 104, 108 and pulling on the otherof the first and second positioning members 104, 108), the first andsecond positioning members 104, 108 may be at least partially separatedand the apparatus 100 opened (or moved into an open position orconfiguration) to allow for access to or placement of the tissuespecimen 300 between the first and second elastically deformableportions 116, 124.

Each of the elastically deformable portions 116, 124 of the first andsecond positioning members 104, 108 is configured to at least partiallytransmit an imaging signal (e.g., electromagnetic radiation signal, suchas an x-ray) therethrough to allow for imaging of the specimen 300 alongfirst and second orthogonal axes 140, 144 through the apparatus 100(e.g., including through the specimen support volume 128) to obtainrespective first and second images of the specimen (e.g., for use inspecimen margin verification and the like). In one arrangement, each ofthe first and second positioning members 104, 108 (e.g., and thus theelastically deformable portions 116, 124) may be substantially or fullyconstructed of any appropriate radiolucent solid (e.g., polymeric)foam(s) (e.g., such as respective blocks of solid foam). The low densityand substantially uniform, homogeneous material properties solid foamssubstantially eliminates or at least reduces attenuation of an imagingsignal passing through the apparatus 100 and thus substantiallyeliminates or at least reduces the likelihood of the apparatus appearingin an image of the specimen and correspondingly increases the quality(e.g., contrast, resolution, etc.) of the image (e.g., for use inverifying tissue margins, identifying suspicious locations or areas inthe excised tissue specimen to be subsequently analyzed by apathologist, and/or the like).

Furthermore, constructing the first and second positioning members 104,108 of one or more solid foams allows the first and second positioningmembers 104, 108 to be fixably positioned relative to each other (e.g.,via first and second connection members 132, 136 or the like, each ofwhich may be integral or one-piece with its respective positioningmember) free of additional (e.g., external) devices, supports,containers, etc. for fixedly positioning the first and secondpositioning members 104, 108 relative to each other. More particularly,the materials (e.g., rigid plastics) of such additional devices,supports, containers, etc. may have a radiodensity greater than that ofthe solid foam which would otherwise increase attenuation of imagingsignals imaging of the specimen 300 and thus reduce the quality ofresultant images of the specimen (e.g., via undesired artifacts in theimages). For instance, each of the first and second positioning members104, 108 may be substantially or fully constructed of at least oneclosed-cell, air filled foam. In one arrangement, the apparatus 100 (thefirst and second positioning members 104, 108) may be vacuum packed in asealed pouch to render the package flat for shipping (e.g., due toconstructing the apparatus entirely of foam).

The material properties (e.g., compression resistance, modulus ofelasticity, etc.) and/or dimensions (e.g., thickness) of the elasticallydeformable portions 116, 124 of the first and second positioning members104, 108 may be selected to retain the specimen 300 within the specimensupport volume 128 of the apparatus 100 against movement relative to theapparatus 100. In one arrangement, the material properties and/ordimensions of the elastically deformable portions 116, 124 may beselected or configured to substantially inhibit deformation of thespecimen 300 from its natural shape and dimensions while still retainingthe specimen 300 against movement relative to the apparatus 100. As justone example, the thickness of one or both of the elastically deformableportions 116, 124 may be greater than about 0.1″, such as greater thanabout 1″, or greater than about 2″.

To further understand the various features and functionality of theapparatus 100, additional reference will now be made to FIG. 35 whichillustrates a flow diagram of a method 800 for use in tissue abnormalitydiagnosis that may incorporate use of the apparatus 100. At 804, asurgeon may excise a particular tissue specimen from a patient (e.g.,tissue specimen 300 shown in FIG. 2) that is believed to at leastpartially include cancer and/or one or more other abnormalities. Thesurgeon, other medical personnel, or machine may then non-movably retainand fix 808 the excised tissue specimen within the positioning apparatus100. For instance, the surgeon may place the specimen 300 onto theelastically deformable portion 116 of the first positioning member 104(e.g., such as generally over a central portion of the elasticallydeformable portion 116 as shown in FIG. 2), align the first and secondconnection members 132, 136 of the second positioning member 108 withthe second and first connection members 136, 132 of the firstpositioning member 104 (see FIG. 3), elastically deform elasticallydeformable portions 116, 124 of the first and second positioning members104, 108 about opposite portions of the specimen 300, and engage therespective pairs of first and second connection members 132, 136 tonon-movably retain and fix 808 the excised tissue specimen within thespecimen support volume of the positioning apparatus 100 (see FIGS.4-5).

The method 800 may also include orienting 812 the positioning apparatus100 at a first orientation relative to a support surface (e.g.,horizontal surface, not shown) and then imaging 816 the specimen 300along the first axis 140 through the apparatus 100 to obtain a firstimage of the specimen 300. With reference to FIG. 5, the apparatus 100may be disposed along and/or about an imaging axis 412 of an imagingbeam 400 between an x-ray (e.g., or other electromagnetic radiation)source 404 and an x-ray (e.g., or other electromagnetic radiation)detector 408 (e.g., sensor(s), film). For instance, the apparatus 100may be positioned so that the imaging axis 412 is coincident with and/orsubstantially parallel to the first axis 140 through the apparatus,where the first axis 140 is substantially perpendicular to a referenceplane 200 defined between the elastically deformable portions 116, 124of the first and second positioning members 104, 108. Stateddifferently, the apparatus 100 may be positioned so that the imagingaxis 412 is substantially perpendicular to the reference plane 200. Inany event, the source 404 may generate and transmit an imaging signal400 along imaging axis 412 and the first axis 140 through the apparatus100, specimen 300 and specimen support volume 128 for receipt atdetector 408 to generate a first image of the specimen 300.

With reference to FIGS. 4-5, it is noted how the imaging signal 400passes or propagates through a first volume 148 (e.g., first imagingzone or region) of the apparatus 100 that extends from a first externalside 152 of the apparatus 100 to a second external side 156 of theapparatus 100 that is opposite to the first external side 152. Morespecifically, the first volume 148 extends along the first axis 140(e.g., in a z dimension) and about the first axis 140 (e.g., in the xand y dimensions) and encompasses the specimen support volume 128.Furthermore, the first volume 148 is free of any portion having adensity (e.g., radiodensity) greater than either a density (e.g.,radiodensity) of the elastically deformable portion 116 of firstpositioning member 104 or a density (e.g., radiodensity) of theelastically deformable portion 124 of the second positioning member 108.In other words, an entire footprint of the imaging signal 400 isconfigured to pass through a volume (e.g., the first volume 148) of theapparatus 100 that has a density no greater than the densities of theelastically deformable portions 116, 124 of the first or secondpositioning members 104, 108 that coincide with the first volume 148(e.g., whereby the first and second positioning members 104, 108 areconstructed of a low-radiodensity solid foam or the like). In somearrangements, markings or other features may be provided on the supportsurface (not shown) that may be used to automatically orient theapparatus 100 so that an entirety or substantial entirety of the imagingsignal 400 passes through the first volume 148.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, an entirety of each of the first and secondpositioning members 104, 108 is constructed from a piece (e.g., block)of solid foam. In this regard, the first volume 148 extends betweenfirst and second opposite external sides 152, 156 of the apparatus 100along an entirety of the distance between the third and fourth externalsides 160, 164, and fifth external side 166 and sixth external side (notlabeled, but opposite fifth external side 166). Stated differently, thefirst volume 148 encompasses the entirety of the apparatus 100 as anentirety of each of the first and second positioning members 104, 108 isconstructed from a piece (e.g., block) of solid foam. However, the firstvolume 148 need not necessarily extend all of the way to the third andfourth external sides 160, 164 and/or all of the way to the fifth andsixth external sides 166 (sixth external side not labeled) so long asthe first volume 148 extends entirely from the first external side 152to the second external side 156 and at least partially towards the thirdand fourth external sides 160, 164 (e.g., in the x dimension) and thefifth and sixth external sides 166 (sixth external side not labeled) (inthe y dimension) all along the second axis 144 so as to encompass thespecimen support volume 128. As just one example, the first volume 148may include at least 20% of a total volume occupied by the apparatus100, such as at least 40%, or at least 60%.

In any event, an entirety (or substantial entirety) of the specimen 300may advantageously be imaged along and about the first axis 140substantially free of signal attenuation that may otherwise produceartifacts in the resultant image, other reductions in quality of theresultant image, and/or the like. This arrangement is in contrast toprior or existing specimen holding/positioning apparatuses or systemswhereby the imaging signal 400 would pass through relatively higherradiodensity materials disposed along the reference plane 200 and/orimaging axis 412 during imaging of the specimen 300 (e.g., such as aplastic container within which the specimen is disposed; other objects,structures, supports, etc. within the path of the imaging signal 400,etc.) that can cause such undesired artifacts and image quality losses.

With brief reference back to FIG. 35, the method 800 may includereorienting 820 the positioning apparatus 100 into a second orientationrelative to the support surface (e.g., and the imaging axis 412) andthen imaging 824 the specimen 300 along the second axis 144 through theapparatus 100 to obtain a second image of the specimen 300. Forinstance, the entire apparatus 100 may be pivoted or rotated by 90°(clockwise in this example about the y dimension) so that the thirdexternal side 160 of the apparatus 100 rests on the support surface(e.g., which may in one embodiment include aligning the third externalside 160 with any markings or the like on the support surface).Advantageously, the specimen 300 may remain substantially fixed ornon-movable within the apparatus 100 during the reorienting 820 (e.g.,due at least in part to the first and second elastically deformableportions 116, 124) to increase the accuracy of subsequent imagingoperations and analysis. In one arrangement, the specimen 300 may alsobe substantially non-deformably retained within the apparatus 100 (e.g.,retained in a manner substantially free of experiencing changes to itsnatural shape and dimensions) to further increase the accuracy ofsubsequent imaging operations and analysis.

In the second orientation, the imaging axis 412 may be coincident withand/or substantially parallel to the second axis 144, where the secondaxis 144 is coincident with and/or substantially parallel to thereference plane 200 defined between the elastically deformable portions116, 124 of the first and second positioning members 104, 108. Stateddifferently, the apparatus 100 may be positioned so that the imagingaxis 412 is substantially coincident with or parallel to the referenceplane 200. In any event, the source 404 may generate and transmit animaging signal 400 along imaging axis 412, the second axis 140, and thereference plane 200 through the apparatus 100 and specimen 300 forreceipt at detector 408 to generate a second image of the specimen 300that is orthogonal to the first image.

Similar to imaging of the specimen 300 along the first axis 140 throughthe apparatus 100 and specimen 300, imaging of the specimen 300 alongthe second axis 144 through the apparatus 100 and specimen 300 passes orpropagates through a second volume 168 (e.g., second imaging zone orregion) of the apparatus 100 that extends from the third external side160 of the apparatus 100 to the fourth external side 164 (e.g. along xdimension) of the apparatus 100, where the second volume 168 is free ofany portion having a density (e.g., radiodensity) greater than either adensity (e.g., radiodensity) of the elastically deformable portion 116of the first positioning member 104 or a density (e.g., radiodensity) ofthe elastically deformable portion 124 of the second positioning member108. See FIGS. 6-7.

More specifically, the second volume 168 extends along and about thesecond axis 144 (e.g., in the x dimension) and encompasses the specimensupport volume 128. That is, an entire footprint of the imaging signal400 is configured to pass through a volume (e.g., the second volume 168)of the apparatus 100 that has a density no greater than the densities ofthe elastically deformable portions 116, 124 of the first or secondpositioning members 104, 108 that coincide with the second volume 168(e.g., whereby the first and second positioning members 104, 108 areconstructed of a low-radiodensity solid foam or the like). As discussedabove, markings or other features may be provided on the support surface(not shown) that may be used to automatically orient the apparatus 100so that an entirety or substantial entirety of the imaging signal 400passes through the second volume 168.

While the second volume 168 extends between third and fourth externalsides 160, 164 of the apparatus (e.g., the x dimension) along anentirety of the distance between the first and second external sides152, 156 (e.g., the z dimension) and fifth and sixth external sides 166(sixth external side not labeled) (e.g., they dimension) due to thefirst and second positioning members being constructed entirely of solidfoam in this embodiment, the second volume 168 need not necessarilyextend all of the way to the first and second external sides 152, 156and/or all of the way to the fifth and sixth external sides 166 (sixthexternal side not labeled) so long as the second volume 168 extends fromthe third external side 160 to the fourth external side 164 and at leastpartially towards the first and second external sides 152, 156 and thefifth and sixth external sides 166 (sixth external side not labeled) allalong the second axis 144 so as to encompass the specimen support volume128. As just one example, the second volume 168 may include at least 20%of a total volume occupied by the apparatus 100, such as at least 40%,or at least 60%.

The specimen 300 may thus be imaged along the reference plane 200 (e.g.,where the imaging axis 412 is substantially coincident with or parallelto the second axis 144 and reference plane 200) substantially free ofsignal attenuation caused by components/supports/etc. having aradiodensity greater than that of the elastically deformable portions116, 124 of the first and second positioning members 104, 108 that mayotherwise be present along the imaging axis 412. The apparatus 100advantageously allows a surgeon, other personnel, and/or the like torapidly and easily place an excised specimen 300 onto a horizontallydisposed surface (e.g., elastically deformable portion 116 of FIG. 3),retain and image the specimen 300 within the apparatus 100 along oneaxis (e.g., the first axis 140) to obtain a first image of the specimen300 (see FIGS. 4-5), rotate the entire apparatus 100 by 90° (see FIG.6), and then image the specimen 300 within the apparatus 100 along anorthogonal axis (e.g., the second axis 144) to obtain a second image ofthe specimen 300 (see FIG. 7).

Returning to FIG. 35, the method 800 may query 828 whether appropriatetissue margins have been detected in the specimen 300. For instance, asurgeon or radiologist may examine both of the first and second imagesto confirm that any appropriate tissue margins have been satisfied(e.g., whether any appropriate tissue margins surround the area(s) ofinterest within the specimen 300). In response to a negative answer tothe query at 828, the method 800 may flow back to 804 to excise anothertissue specimen, retain and fix 808 the specimen within a positioningapparatus (e.g., apparatus 100), and the like. While the method 800 hasbeen discussed in the context of first imaging along the first axis 140and then imaging along the second axis 144, it is also envisioned thatthe specimen 300 could first be imaged along the second axis 144 andthen imaged along the first axis 140.

Before discussing further steps of the method 800, additionalembodiments of the apparatus 100 will now be discussed. In FIG. 8,another embodiment of the first positioning member 104′ is illustratedwhereby the elastically deformable portion 116 is in the form of firstand second at least partially elastically deformable portions 116 ₁, 116₂, where the second elastically deformable portion 116 ₂ partially orfully surrounds the first elastically deformable portion 116 ₁ and has acompression resistance greater than that of the first elasticallydeformable portion 116 ₁. For instance, the first elastically deformableportion 116 ₁ may be constructed of a relatively lighter and softersolid foam to reduce compression of a specimen 300 placed thereon whilethe second elastically deformable portion 116 ₂ may be constructed of arelatively heavier and/or denser solid foam to maintain the structuralintegrity of the apparatus. As another example, the first elasticallydeformable portion 116 ₁ may be constructed of a sheet or film (e.g.,nonporous polyurethane film).

In one arrangement, the second elastically deformable portion 116 ₂ mayinclude an opening 117 (e.g., recess, depression, etc.) in a surfacethereof across, over, and/or within which the first elasticallydeformable portion 116 ₁ may be disposed, positioned and/or inserted(e.g., removably or non-removably). Some variations disclosed hereinenvision that the first elastically deformable portion 116 ₁ may beselected based on the type of specimen to disposed thereon or thereoverfor retainment within the apparatus 100. For instance, first elasticallydeformable portions 116 ₁ of increasing compression resistance may beselected for specimens 300 of increasing compression resistance and viceversa. While not shown, the second positioning member 108 may also besimilarly configured with first and second elastically deformableportions 116 ₁, 116 ₂ such that the specimen 300 may be elasticallyretained between the first elastically deformable portions 116 ₁ of thefirst and second positioning members 104′, 108′ for imaging along thefirst and second axes 140, 144 (e.g., as in FIGS. 4-7).

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate another embodiment of the apparatus 100″ in whichthe first and/or second positioning members 104″, 108″ include at leastfirst and second support members 168, 172 extending relative to theelastically deformable portions 116, 124 (e.g., perpendicularly relativeto a surface thereof that is configured to receive the specimen 300) forpurposes of spacing the specimen 300 and the elastically deformableportions 116, 124 from the detector 408 (e.g., by distance 174) andreducing the quantity of material that the imaging signal must passthrough between the source 404 and the detector 408.

In one arrangement, a thickness 176 of the elastically deformableportions 116, 124 may be selected or adjusted to control the firmnesswith which the elastically deformable portions 116, 124 hold and retainthe specimen 300 when the first and second positioning members 104″,108″ are fixably positioned (e.g., where an increased thickness 176would lead to greater firmness and vice versa). In another arrangement,the apparatus 100″ (or, as with other features disclosed herein, withother apparatuses disclosed herein) may include at least one sealarrangement configured to limit leakage of fluids from the specimensupport volume 128 out of the apparatus 100 and to limit entry offoreign objects and fluids into the specimen support volume 128. Forinstance, at least one of the elastically deformable portions 116, 124may include a first seal member 178 (e.g., rib, rim, protrusion, etc.)and at least one of the other of the elastically deformable portions116, 124 may include a second seal member 180 that is complimentary tothe first seal member 178 (e.g., such as a recess, channel, etc. that isconfigured to matingly receive the rib, rim, protrusion, etc.).

Returning now to FIG. 35, the method 800 may, in the event that thetissue margins have been verified at 828, include horizontally (e.g., sothat the reference plane 200 is substantially parallel to a supportsurface) imaging 836 the specimen 300 through any appropriate gridmember including any appropriate radiopaque lines, indicia, or the likeso that the grid lines/indicia appear in the resulting image. Thesurgeon may then appropriately indicate 840 the areas of interest on thetissue specimen using the grid lines to inform the pathologist thelocation(s) of the most suspicious areas in the resulting image (e.g.,by providing coordinates, marking directly on the image, etc.). Theresulting image and excised tissue specimen may then be sent 844 to thepathologist for performing a diagnostic procedure and providing adiagnostic opinion.

With reference to FIG. 6, for instance, the apparatus 100 may be rotatedin an opposite direction to again place the second external side 156 ofthe apparatus 100 on the support surface (e.g., as in FIG. 4). Afterseparation of the second positioning member 108 from the firstpositioning member 104, the specimen 300 may be removed from theelastically deformable portion 116 of the first positioning member 104,a grid member 182 (e.g., constructed of a radiolucent foam board or thelike) may be placed onto the first sheet member 120 over the firstopening 116, and the specimen 300 may be placed onto the grid member182. See FIG. 12. The second positioning member 108 (not shown in FIG.12) may then be interconnected with the first positioning member 104(i.e., the apparatus 100 may be closed) as discussed previously to atleast partially deform the elastically deformable portions 116, 124about the grid member 182 and specimen 300, respectively, andnon-movably secure the same within the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100may then be imaged (e.g., with the second external side 156 of theapparatus 100 on the support surface and with the reference plane 200parallel to the support surface and perpendicular to the imaging axis412) to obtain one or more images having radiopaque grid lines 182 ofthe grid member 180 imparted into the images for use by the surgeon, apathologist, etc.

In one arrangement, the second positioning member 108 may be replacedwith an at least partially transparent positioning member 109 (see FIG.12) that, like the second positioning member 108, is configured tofixably interconnect with the first positioning member 104 to retain thespecimen 300 against movement relative to the apparatus 100 duringimaging and transport. The positioning member 109 allows a surgeon orthe like to view the specimen 300 before and during the horizontalimaging of the specimen 300. For instance, the positioning member 109may include a frame 185 constructed of any appropriate material (e.g.,solid foam like the second positioning member 108), thermoplastic, etc.)and including first and second connection members 132, 136 that arerespectively configured to interface with those of the first positioningmember 104.

The frame 185 may include an opening 186 therethrough that is configuredto substantially overlap with the grid member 184 and/or with theelastically deformable portion 116 of the first positioning member 104.An at least partially elastically deformable transparent sheet or film188 may be disposed across the opening 186 (e.g., attached over a bottomportion of the opening 186) that is configured to elastically deformaround at least a portion of the specimen 300 when the positioningmember 109 and the first positioning member 104 are interconnected. SeeFIG. 13. An imaging signal 400 may then be passed through the opening186 to obtain an image of the specimen 300.

After obtaining the horizontal image of the specimen 300 at 836, themethod 800 may include indicating 840 areas of interest on the specimen300 using the grid lines present in the resulting horizontal image. Forinstance, the surgeon and/or radiologist may examine the resultinghorizontal image and highlight and/or write down those grid linecoordinates associated with areas of interest. The positioning apparatus100 with the specimen 300 retained thereinside (e.g., in substantiallythe same position/orientation within the apparatus 100 as when thespecimen was placed into the apparatus 100 and the indicated areas ofinterest (e.g., directly on the resulting horizontal image and/or thelike) may then be sent 844 to a pathologist or the like for diagnosis ofthe specimen 300. As the specimen 300 may remain in substantially thesame position/orientation relative to the grid member 182 from the timeof horizontal imaging up to and including diagnosis by the pathologist(e.g., due to the first and second positioning members 104, 108 and/orfirst positioning member 104 and transparent positioning member 109 asdiscussed previously), which may include transport of the apparatus 100from a first location to a second location, a substantially highcorrespondence between areas of interest identified on the resultinghorizontal image and corresponding areas on the actual specimen 300 maybe obtained leading to greater accuracy of cancer and/or other tissueabnormality diagnosis.

FIGS. 14-20 illustrate another embodiment of the apparatus 100 and thereference numeral 500 has been used to identify the embodiment of FIGS.14-20 (e.g., rather than 100′″ or the like) in the interest of clarity,and similar reference numerals (e.g., 104 in FIGS. 3 and 504 in FIG. 15to indicate a first positioning member) have been used to the extentpossible. Broadly, the apparatus 500 includes a first or lowerpositioning member 504 having a body 512 and an at least partiallyelastically deformable portion 516 (e.g., a “retention” portion ormember), and a second or upper positioning member 508 having a body 520and an at least partially elastically deformable portion 524 (e.g., a“retention” portion or member). Upon placement of at least one specimen300 (see FIG. 16) over the elastically deformable portion 516 of thefirst positioning member 504 and then non-movable or fixed securement ofthe second positioning member 508 to the first positioning member 504,the elastically deformable portions 516, 524 of the first and secondpositioning members are respectively configured to elastically deformabout opposite portions of the specimen 300 to thereby retain thespecimen 300 therebetween within a specimen support volume 528 of theapparatus 500 (see FIG. 18) and suspend the specimen 300 within thebodies 512, 520 of the first and second positioning members 504, 508(e.g., so that the specimen can “float” within a first volume 548 of theapparatus) for use in accurate imaging of the specimen, transport of thespecimen and the like.

As shown, the body 512 of the first positioning member 504 may includefirst and second spaced opposite support ledges 513, 514 over whichopposite ends of the elastically deformable portion 516 are configuredto be appropriately secured (e.g., via adhesives, bonding, or the like).The body 512 may also include one or more first and second supportmembers 568, 572 extending relative to the elastically deformableportion 516 and the first and second support ledges 513, 514 (e.g.,perpendicularly) for purposes of spacing the specimen 300 and theelastically deformable portion 516 from the detector 408 (e.g., bydistance 174) and reducing the quantity of material that the imagingsignal 400 must pass through between the source 404 and the detector408. The body 512 may also include one or more interconnection members517 that rigidly interconnect respective pairs of first and secondsupport members 568, 572. Collectively, the support ledges 513, 514,support members 568, 572, and interconnection members 517 form a frameof the first positioning member 504. Similarly, the body 520 of thesecond positioning member 508 includes first and second spaced oppositesupport ledges 513, 514, one or more first and second support members568, 572, and one or more interconnection members 517, all of whichcollectively form a frame of the second positioning member 508.

The apparatus 500 includes one or more features that allow for fixablepositioning of the first and second positioning members 504, 508 toallow for substantial non-movable retaining of the specimen 300 betweenthe elastically deformable portions 516, 524 as well as suspension ofthe specimen 300 within the apparatus 500. In one arrangement, theapparatus 500 may include any appropriate hinge mechanism 590 thatallows for pivotal movement between the first and second positioningmembers 504, 508 about a pivot axis 591. For instance, the first andsecond positioning members 504, 508 may include respective first andsecond hinge elements (not labeled) that are secured to or at leastpartially form the hinge mechanism 590. The hinge mechanism 590 mayallow for relative positioning between the elastically deformableportions 516, 524 of the first and second positioning members 504, 508between a number of positions, such as at least an open position (e.g.,as in FIGS. 15-16) that allows for placement of the tissue specimen 300between the elastically deformable portions 516, 524 and a closedposition (e.g., as in FIGS. 17-20) that holds the tissue specimen 300between the elastically deformable portions 516, 524 against movementrelative to the frames of the first and second positioning members 504,508.

Additionally or alternatively, the first and second positioning members504, 508 may each include at least one respective connection member suchas first and second connection members 532, 536 that are respectivelyconfigured to engage with the second and first connection members 536,532 of the other of the first and second positioning members 504, 508.More particularly, each first connection member 532 of one of the firstand second positioning members 504, 508 may be complimentary andremovably connectable to a respective second connection member 536 ofthe other of the first and second positioning members 504, 508 tofixedly position the first and second positioning members 504, 508relative to each other. In one embodiment, each of the first and secondpositioning members 504, 508 may include at least one first connectionmember 532 and at least one second connection member 536 adjacentrespective first and second external sides of the apparatus 500.

For instance, each first connection member 532 may be in the form of aprotrusion (e.g., tab, post, detent, etc.) and each second connectionmember 536 may be in the form of a complimentary-shaped and sized recess(e.g., opening, hole, detent, etc.). In one embodiment, the firstconnection members 532 may be snapped past and/or deformed into thesecond connection member 536. For instance, the first connection member532 may be a flexible or resilient tab that is configured to snap into,snap past or otherwise engage with a corresponding second connectionmember 536 in the form of an opening, ledge or the like. In this regard,each first connection member 532 may be lifted or otherwise moved awayfrom its respective second connection member 536 to allow for separationof the first and second positioning members 504, 508. Various otherforms of first and second connection members 532, 536 are envisioned andencompassed herein.

As discussed in relation to other embodiments disclosed herein, each ofthe elastically deformable portions 516, 524 of the first and secondpositioning members 504, 508 is configured to at least partiallytransmit an imaging signal (e.g., electromagnetic radiation signal, suchas an x-ray) therethrough to allow for imaging of the specimen 300 alongfirst and second orthogonal axes 540, 544 through the apparatus 500(e.g., including through the specimen support volume 528) to obtainrespective first and second images of the specimen (e.g., for use inspecimen margin verification and the like). Additionally, each of theelastically deformable portions 516, 524 is configured to at leastpartially elastically deform about an opposite portion of a specimen 300to retain the specimen within the apparatus 500 when the first andsecond positioning members 504, 508 are non-movable secured to eachother (e.g., see FIG. 18).

In one arrangement, each of the elastically deformable portions 516, 524may be constructed of a sheet, layer, etc. of any appropriateradiolucent solid (e.g., polymeric) foam(s) (e.g., as discussedpreviously in relation to the apparatus 100). See apparatus 500 of FIGS.15-20. As just one example, the thickness of one or both of theelastically deformable portions 516, 524 in the form of a solid foam maybe greater than about 0.1″ such as greater than about 1″, or greaterthan about 2″. In another arrangement, each of the elasticallydeformable portions 516, 524 may be constructed of a sheet, layer, etc.of any appropriate radiolucent film (e.g., polyurethane, etc.). Seeapparatus 500′ of FIGS. 21-26. As just one example, the thickness of oneor both of the elastically deformable portions 516, 524 in the form of afilm may be greater than about 0.001 such as greater than about 0.002″.For instance, the film could be bonded onto the support ledges 513, 514during production or the frames of the first and second positioningmembers 504, 508 could be reusable and the film added by the customerand disposed of after each single use. As another example, somearrangement envision including a pre-applied adhesive along the frontand back edges of the film to limit sliding/movement of the specimen 300when the apparatus 500, 500′ is reoriented (e.g., rotated). In somearrangements, one or both of the elastically deformable portions 516,524 may include combinations of film and foam (e.g., parallel layers ofa film and a solid foam).

As also discussed herein, the material properties (e.g., compressionresistance, modulus of elasticity, etc.) and/or dimensions (e.g.,thickness) of the elastically deformable portions 516, 524 of the firstand second positioning members 504, 508 may be selected to retain thespecimen 300 within the specimen support volume 528 of the apparatus 500against movement relative to the apparatus 500 (e.g., relative to theframes of the first and second positioning members 504, 508). In onearrangement, the material properties and/or dimensions of theelastically deformable portions 516, 524 may be selected or configuredto substantially inhibit deformation of the specimen 300 from itsnatural shape and dimensions while still retaining the specimen 300against movement relative to the apparatus 500.

Returning again to the method 800 of FIG. 35, a surgeon may excise 804 aparticular tissue specimen from a patient (e.g., tissue specimen 300shown in FIGS. 16 and 22) that is believed to at least partially includecancer and/or one or more other abnormalities. The surgeon, othermedical personnel, or machine may then non-movably retain and fix 808the excised tissue specimen 300 within the positioning apparatus 500,500′. For instance, the surgeon may place the specimen 300 onto theelastically deformable portion 516 of the first positioning member 504(e.g., such as generally over a central portion of the elasticallydeformable portion 516 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 22), align the first andsecond connection members 532, 536 of the second positioning member 508with the second and first connection members 536, 532 of the firstpositioning member 504, elastically deform elastically deformableportions 516, 524 of the first and second positioning members 504, 508about opposite portions of the specimen 300, and engage the respectivepairs of first and second connection members 532, 536 to non-movablyretain and fix 808 the excised tissue specimen within the specimensupport volume of the positioning apparatus 500, 500′ (see FIGS. 17-18and 23-24).

The method 800 may also include orienting 812 the positioning apparatus500, 500′ at a first orientation relative to a support surface (e.g.,horizontal surface, not shown) and then imaging 816 the specimen 300along the first axis 540 through the apparatus 500, 500′ to obtain afirst image of the specimen 300. With reference to FIGS. 18 and 24, theapparatus 500, 500′ may be disposed along and/or about an imaging axis412 of an imaging beam 400 between an x-ray (e.g., or otherelectromagnetic radiation) source 404 and an x-ray (e.g., or otherelectromagnetic radiation) detector 408 (e.g., sensor(s), film). Forinstance, the apparatus 500, 500′ may be positioned so that the imagingaxis 412 is coincident with and/or substantially parallel to the firstaxis 540 through the apparatus 500, 500′, where the first axis 540 issubstantially perpendicular to a reference plane 200 defined between theelastically deformable portions 516, 524 of the first and secondpositioning members 504, 508. See FIGS. 18 and 24. Stated differently,the apparatus 500, 500′ may be positioned so that the imaging axis 412is substantially perpendicular to the reference plane 200. In any event,the source 404 may generate and transmit an imaging signal 400 alongimaging axis 412 and the first axis 540 through the apparatus 500, 500′,specimen 300 and specimen support volume 528 for receipt at detector 408to generate a first image of the specimen 300.

With reference to FIGS. 17-18 and 23-24, it is noted how the imagingsignal 400 passes or propagates through a first volume 548 (representedby arrows) of the apparatus 500, 500′ that extends from a first externalside 552 of the apparatus 500, 500′ to a second external side 556 of theapparatus 500, 500′ that is opposite to the first external side 552.More specifically, the first volume 548 extends along the first axis 540(e.g., in a z dimension) and about the first axis 540 (e.g., in the xand y dimensions) and encompasses the specimen support volume 528.Furthermore, the first volume 548 is free of any portion having adensity (e.g., radiodensity) greater than either a density (e.g.,radiodensity) of the elastically deformable portion 516 of firstpositioning member 504 or a density (e.g., radiodensity) of theelastically deformable portion 524 of the second positioning member 508.

In other words, an entire footprint of the imaging signal 400 isconfigured to pass through a volume (e.g., the first volume 548) of theapparatus 500, 500′ that has a density no greater than the densities ofthe elastically deformable portions 516, 524 of the first or secondpositioning members 504, 508 that coincide with the first volume 548. Asmentioned in other embodiments disclosed herein, markings or otherfeatures may be provided on the support surface (not shown) that may beused to automatically orient the apparatus 500, 500′ so that an entiretyor substantial entirety of the imaging signal 400 passes through thefirst volume 548.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 17-18 and 23-24, the first volume 548 extendsfrom the first external side 552 to the opposite second external side556 of the apparatus 500, 500′ (e.g., in the z dimension) and up to (inthe x and y dimensions) an inside surface (not labeled) of the frames ofthe first and second positioning members 504, 508 (e.g., up to theinside surfaces of the support ledges 513, 514; support members 568,572; interconnection members 517; etc.). For instance, the first volume548 may be devoid or free of anything (e.g., any components, objects,etc.) except for the elastically deformable portions (and air). In thesituation where the bodies 512, 520 (e.g., frames) of the first andsecond positioning members 504, 508 are constructed of a material ormaterials having a radiodensity the same as or less than that of theelastically deformable portions 516, 524, the first volume 548 mayextend through and towards an outer surface of the frames of the firstand second positioning members 504, 508 and thus all the way to thethird, fourth, fifth and sixth external sides 560, 564, 566 (sixthexternal side not labeled). As just one example, the first volume 548may include at least 20% of a total volume occupied by the apparatus500, 500′, such as at least 40%, or at least 60%.

In any event, an entirety (or substantial entirety) of the specimen 300may advantageously be imaged along and about the first axis 540substantially free of signal attenuation that may otherwise produceartifacts in the resultant image, other reductions in quality of theresultant image, and/or the like. This arrangement is in contrast toprior or existing specimen holding/positioning apparatuses or systemswhereby the imaging signal 400 would pass through relatively higherradiodensity materials disposed along the reference plane 200 and/or theimaging axis 412 during imaging of the specimen 300 (e.g., such as aplastic container within which the specimen is disposed; other objects,structures, supports, etc. within the path of the imaging signal 400,etc.) that can cause such undesired artifacts and image quality losses.

With brief reference back to FIG. 35, the method 800 may includereorienting 820 the positioning apparatus 500, 500′ into a secondorientation relative to the support surface (e.g., and the imaging axis412) and then imaging 824 the specimen 300 along the second axis 544through the apparatus 500, 500′ to obtain a second image of the specimen300. For instance, the entire apparatus 500, 500′ may be pivoted orrotated by 90° (clockwise in this example about the y dimension) so thatthe third external side 560 of the apparatus 500, 500′ rests on thesupport surface (e.g., which may in one embodiment include aligning thethird external side 560 with any markings or the like on the supportsurface). Advantageously, the specimen 300 may remain substantiallyfixed or non-movable within the apparatus 500, 500′ during thereorienting 820 (e.g., due at least in part to the first and secondelastically deformable portions 516, 524) to increase the accuracy ofsubsequent imaging operations and analysis. In one arrangement, thespecimen 300 may also be substantially non-deformably retained withinthe apparatus 500, 500′ (e.g., retained in a manner substantially freeof experiencing changes to its natural shape and dimensions) to furtherincrease the accuracy of subsequent imaging operations and analysis.

In the second orientation, the imaging axis 412 may be coincident withand/or substantially parallel to the second axis 544, where the secondaxis 544 is coincident with and/or substantially parallel to thereference plane 200 defined between the elastically deformable portions516, 524 of the first and second positioning members 504, 508. Stateddifferently, the apparatus 500, 500′ may be positioned so that theimaging axis 412 is substantially coincident with or parallel to thereference plane 200. In any event, the source 404 may generate andtransmit an imaging signal 400 along imaging axis 412, the second axis540, and the reference plane 200 through the apparatus 500, 500′ andspecimen 300 for receipt at detector 408 to generate a second image ofthe specimen 300 that is orthogonal to the first image.

Similar to imaging of the specimen 300 along the first axis 540 throughthe apparatus 500, 500′ and specimen 300, imaging of the specimen 300along the second axis 544 through the apparatus 500, 500′ and specimen300 passes or propagates through a second volume 568 of the apparatus500, 500′ that extends from the third external side 560 of the apparatus500, 500′ to the fourth external side 564 (e.g. along the x dimension)of the apparatus 500, 500′, where the second volume 568 is free of anyportion having a density (e.g., radiodensity) greater than either adensity (e.g., radiodensity) of the elastically deformable portion 516of the first positioning member 504 or a density (e.g., radiodensity) ofthe elastically deformable portion 524 of the second positioning member508. See FIGS. 19-20 and 25-26.

More specifically, the second volume 568 extends along and about thesecond axis 544 (e.g., in the x dimension) and encompasses the specimensupport volume 528. That is, an entire footprint of the imaging signal400 is configured to pass through a volume (e.g., the second volume 568)of the apparatus 500, 500′ that has a density no greater than thedensities of the elastically deformable portions 516, 524 of the firstor second positioning members 504, 508 that coincide with the secondvolume 568. In other words, an entire footprint of the imaging signal400 is configured to pass through a volume (e.g., the second volume 568)of the apparatus 500, 500′ that has a density no greater than thedensities of the elastically deformable portions 516, 524 of the firstor second positioning members 504, 508 that coincide with the secondvolume 568. As mentioned in other embodiments disclosed herein, markingsor other features may be provided on the support surface (not shown)that may be used to automatically orient the apparatus 500, 500′ so thatan entirety or substantial entirety of the imaging signal 400 passesthrough the second volume 568.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 19-20 and 25-26, the second volume 568extends from the third external side 560 to the opposite fourth externalside 564 of the apparatus 500, 500′ (e.g., in the x dimension) and up to(in the z and y dimensions) an inside surface (not labeled) of theframes of the first and second positioning members 504, 508 (e.g., up tothe inside surfaces of the support ledges 513, 514; support members 568,572; interconnection members 517; etc.). For instance, the second volume568 may be devoid or free of anything (e.g., any components, objects,etc.) except for the elastically deformable portions (and air). In thesituation where the bodies 512, 520 (e.g., frames) of the first andsecond positioning members 504, 508 are constructed of a material ormaterials having a radiodensity the same as or less than that of theelastically deformable portions 516, 524, the second volume 568 mayextend through and towards an outer surface of the frames of the firstand second positioning members 504, 508 and thus all the way to thefirst, second, fifth and sixth external sides 552, 556, 566 (sixthexternal side not labeled). As just one example, the second volume 568may include at least 20% of a total volume occupied by the apparatus500, 500′, such as at least 40%, or at least 60%.

The specimen 300 may thus be imaged along the reference plane 200 (e.g.,where the imaging axis 412 is substantially coincident with or parallelto the second axis 544 and reference plane 200) substantially free ofsignal attenuation caused by components/supports/etc. having aradiodensity greater than that of the elastically deformable portions516, 524 of the first and second positioning members 504, 508 that mayotherwise be present along the imaging axis 412. The apparatus 500, 500′advantageously allows a surgeon, other personnel, and/or the like torapidly and easily place an excised specimen 300 onto a horizontallydisposed surface (e.g., elastically deformable portion 516 of FIGS. 16and 22), retain and image the specimen 300 within the apparatus 500,500′ along one axis (e.g., the first axis 140) to obtain a first imageof the specimen 300 (see FIGS. 17-18 and 23-24), rotate the entireapparatus 100 by 90° (see FIGS. 19-20 and 25-26), and then image thespecimen 300 within the apparatus 500, 500′ along an orthogonal axis(e.g., the second axis 544) to obtain a second image of the specimen300.

If appropriate tissue margins have not been detected in the specimen 300at step 828 of the method 800 in FIG. 35, the method 800 may flow backto 804 to excise another tissue specimen, retain and fix 808 thespecimen within a positioning apparatus (e.g., apparatus 500), and thelike. While the method 800 has been discussed in the context of firstimaging along the first axis 140 and then imaging along the second axis144, it is also envisioned that the specimen 300 could first be imagedalong the second axis 144 and then imaged along the first axis 140. Ifappropriate tissue margins have been identified at 828, the method 800may include horizontally (e.g., so that the reference plane 200 issubstantially parallel to a support surface) imaging 836 the specimen300 through any appropriate grid member (grid member 182 of FIG. 12)including any appropriate radiopaque lines, indicia, or the like so thatthe grid lines/indicia appear in the resulting image. The surgeon maythen appropriately indicate 840 the areas of interest on the tissuespecimen using the grid lines to inform the pathologist the location(s)of the most suspicious areas in the resulting image (e.g., by providingcoordinates, marking directly on the image, etc.). The resulting imageand excised tissue specimen may then be sent 844 to the pathologist forperforming a diagnostic procedure and providing a diagnostic opinion.

Turning now to FIGS. 27-34, another embodiment of the apparatus 100 isdisclosed and identified by the reference numeral 700 in the interest ofclarity (e.g., rather than 100″″ or the like) and similar referencenumerals (e.g., 104 in FIGS. 3 and 704 in FIG. 28 to indicate a firstpositioning member) have been used to the extent possible. Also shown inthe figures is an imaging system 600 for imaging a specimen retained inthe apparatus 700. While the system 600 will primarily be discussed inthe context of a specimen 300 retained within the apparatus 700 (e.g.,via interconnecting the apparatus 700 with connection members onopposite sidewalls of a chamber of the system 600 as discussed below),the system 600 may also be used with the other apparatuses disclosedherein (e.g., via placing the apparatus directly over an imagingdetector of the system 600).

As shown in FIG. 27, the system 600 may broadly include a housing 604; achamber 608 within the housing 604, wherein the chamber 608 is definedby at least first and second spaced or opposite sidewalls 612, 616 orsupport surfaces, a source (not labeled) of electromagnetic radiationdisposed adjacent one end of the chamber 608 (e.g., adjacent a top ofthe chamber 608); and an imaging detector 620 disposed adjacent anopposite end of the chamber 608 (e.g., adjacent a bottom of the chamber608); where the source is configured to emit an electromagneticradiation signal 624 along an imaging axis 628 through the chamber 608towards the imaging detector 620. Numerous other details of the system600 (e.g., monitor, controls, etc.) have been omitted from thisdiscussion in the interest of clarity.

With brief reference now to FIGS. 28-29, the apparatus 700 includes afirst or lower positioning member 704 having a body 712 and an at leastpartially elastically deformable portion 716 (e.g., a “retention”portion or member), and a second or upper positioning member 708 havinga body 720 and an at least partially elastically deformable portion 724(e.g., a “retention” portion or member). Upon placement of at least onespecimen 300 over the elastically deformable portion 716 of the firstpositioning member 704 and then non-movable or fixed securement of thesecond positioning member 708 to the first positioning member 704, theelastically deformable portions 716, 724 of the first and secondpositioning members are respectively configured to elastically deformabout opposite portions of the specimen 300 to thereby retain thespecimen 300 therebetween within a specimen support volume 728 of theapparatus 700 (see FIG. 18) for use in accurate imaging of the specimen,transport of the specimen and the like.

As shown, the body 712 of the first positioning member 704 may includefirst and second spaced opposite support members or ledges 713, 714 overwhich opposite ends of the elastically deformable portion 716 areconfigured to be appropriately secured (e.g., via adhesives, bonding, orthe like). Similarly, the body 720 of the second positioning member 708includes first and second spaced opposite support ledges 713, 714 overwhich opposite ends of the elastically deformable portion 724 areconfigured to be appropriately secured (e.g., via adhesives, bonding, orthe like). The support members/ledges 713, 714 may extend laterally awayfrom the opposite ends of the elastically deformable members 716, 724.Furthermore, the apparatus 700 includes one or more features that allowfor fixable positioning of the first and second positioning members 704,708 to allow for substantial non-movable retaining of the specimen 300between the elastically deformable portions 716, 724 as well assuspension of the specimen 300 within the apparatus 700.

For instance, the first and second positioning members 704, 708 may eachinclude at least one respective connection member such as first andsecond connection members 732, 736 that are respectively configured toengage with the second and first connection members 736, 732 of theother of the first and second positioning members 704, 708. Like in theother embodiments disclosed herein, each first connection member 732 ofone of the first and second positioning members 704, 708 may becomplimentary and removably connectable to a respective secondconnection member 736 of the other of the first and second positioningmembers 704, 708 to fixedly position the first and second positioningmembers 704, 708 relative to each other. In one embodiment, each of thefirst and second positioning members 704, 708 (e.g., the first andsecond support members or ledges 713, 714) may include at least onefirst connection member 732 and at least one second connection member736 adjacent respective first and second external sides of the apparatus700. For instance, each first connection member 732 may be in the formof a protrusion (e.g., tab, post, detent, etc.) and each secondconnection member 736 may be in the form of a complimentary-shaped andsized recess (e.g., opening, hole, detent, etc.). In one embodiment, thefirst connection members 732 may be press-fit into the second connectionmember 736. Various other forms of first and second connection members732, 736 are envisioned and encompassed herein.

As discussed in relation to other embodiments disclosed herein, each ofthe elastically deformable portions 716, 724 of the first and secondpositioning members 704, 708 is configured to at least partiallytransmit an imaging signal (e.g., electromagnetic radiation signal, suchas an x-ray) therethrough to allow for imaging of the specimen 300 alongfirst and second orthogonal axes 740, 744 through the apparatus 700(e.g., including through the specimen support volume 728) to obtainrespective first and second images of the specimen (e.g., for use inspecimen margin verification and the like). Additionally, each of theelastically deformable portions 716, 724 is configured to at leastpartially elastically deform about an opposite portion of a specimen 300to retain the specimen within the apparatus 700 when the first andsecond positioning members 704, 708 are non-movable secured to eachother (e.g., see FIG. 18).

In one arrangement, each of the elastically deformable portions 716, 724may be constructed of a sheet, layer, etc. of any appropriateradiolucent solid (e.g., polymeric) foam(s) (e.g., as discussedpreviously in relation to the apparatuses 100, 500). See apparatus 700of FIGS. 28-31. In another arrangement, each of the elasticallydeformable portions 716, 724 may be constructed of a sheet, layer, etc.of any appropriate radiolucent film (e.g., polyurethane, etc.). Seeapparatus 700′ of FIGS. 32-34. For instance, the film could be bondedonto the support ledges 713, 714 during production or the frames of thefirst and second positioning members 704′, 708′ could be reusable andthe film added by the customer and disposed of after each single use. Asanother example, some arrangement envision including a pre-appliedadhesive along the front and back edges of the film to limitsliding/movement of the specimen 300 when the apparatus 700, 700′ isreoriented (e.g., rotated). In some arrangements, one or both of theelastically deformable portions 716, 724 may include combinations offilm and foam (e.g., parallel layers of a film and a solid foam).

Like with the other embodiments disclosed herein, the materialproperties (e.g., compression resistance, modulus of elasticity, etc.)and/or dimensions (e.g., thickness) of the elastically deformableportions 716, 724 of the first and second positioning members 704, 708may be selected to retain the specimen 300 within the specimen supportvolume 728 of the apparatus 700 against movement relative to theapparatus 700 (e.g., relative to the frames of the first and secondpositioning members 704, 708). In one arrangement, the materialproperties and/or dimensions of the elastically deformable portions 716,724 may be selected or configured to substantially inhibit deformationof the specimen 300 from its natural shape and dimensions while stillretaining the specimen 300 against movement relative to the apparatus700.

As disclosed herein, orthogonal imaging of a specimen 300 to obtainfirst and second orthogonal images may be important in relation toanalyzing and confirming tissue margins as part of a diagnosis of thespecimen 300. In this regard, and after a specimen 300 has been placedbetween the elastically deformable portions 716, 724 and the first andsecond positioning members 704, 708 have been fixably positioned (e.g.,via aligning and interconnecting the pairs of first and secondconnection members 732, 736) so as to elastically deform the elasticallydeformable portions 716, 724 about opposite portions of the specimen 300(e.g., as in FIG. 29), the apparatus 700 may be placed into chamber 608so that a first axis 740 disposed through the specimen support volume728 (and that is substantially perpendicular to a reference plane 200disposed between the elastically deformable portions 716, 724) issubstantially coincident with or parallel to the imaging axis 628. SeeFIG. 30. In one arrangement, a second of first and second external sides752, 756 of the apparatus 700 may be placed directly on the imagingdetector 620.

In another arrangement, opposite ends of the apparatus 700 may berespectively interconnected (e.g., removably interconnected) to thefirst and second sidewalls 612, 616 of the chamber 608 to at leastpartially space the apparatus 700 from the image source and detector andthereby facilitate orthogonal reorientation of the apparatus 700. As anexample, the apparatus 700 may include opposite first and secondconnection components 729, 731 that are respectively configured toengage with complimentary first and second connection components 629,631 on the first and second sidewalls 612, 616 of the chamber 608. Forinstance, the first and second connection components 729, 731 may be inthe form of fasteners having a shaft 733 (e.g., that defines a pivotaxis 734 of the apparatus 700 as discussed below) and a head 735attached to the shaft 733. In one embodiment, each of the first andsecond positioning members 704, 708 may include a portion (e.g., a half)of each of the first and second connection components 729, 731 (e.g.,see FIGS. 28-29), whereby a complete or full first and second connectioncomponent 729, 731 is automatically formed upon interconnection of thefirst and second positioning members 704, 708 (e.g., via interconnectionof the respective pairs of first and second connection members 732,736).

In any case, the first and second connection components 629, 631 may, inone embodiment, be in the form of openings, recesses or hubs that areconfigured to respectively receive the first and second connectioncomponents 729, 731. For instance, each of the first and secondconnection components 629, 631 may include a slot 633 for slidable androtatable receipt of the shaft 733 and a channel 735 for slideable androtatable receipt of the head 735. In this regard, the first and secondconnection components 729, 731 may be respectively engaged with (e.g.,inserted or clipped into) the first and second connection components629, 631 on the first and second sidewalls 612, 616 of the chamber 608so that the first axis 740 disposed through the specimen support volume728 (and that is substantially perpendicular to a reference plane 200disposed between the elastically deformable portions 716, 724) issubstantially coincident with or parallel to the imaging axis 628. SeeFIG. 30. The source may generate and transmit an imaging signal 624along imaging axis 628 and the first axis 740 through the apparatus 700,specimen 300 and specimen support volume 728 for receipt at detector 620to generate a first image of the specimen 300.

While not discussed in more detail, the apparatus 700 may include, likeother apparatuses and embodiments disclosed herein, a first volumeextending from a first external side 752 of the apparatus 700 to anopposite second external side 756 of the apparatus 700 that is free ofany portion having a density (e.g., radiodensity) greater than either adensity (e.g., radiodensity) of the elastically deformable portion 716of the first positioning member 704 or a density (e.g., radiodensity) ofthe elastically deformable portion 724 of the second positioning member708. For instance, the chamber 608 may be devoid of any structure orcomponents between the source and detector 620 other than theelastically deformable portions 716, 724. The first volume extends alongand about the first axis 740 and encompasses the specimen support volume728. For instance, the first volume may extend up to inner surfaces ofthe first and second support ledges 713, 714.

After the first image has been obtained in the position of FIG. 30, theapparatus may be reoriented so as to align the second axis 744 and thereference plane 200 with the imaging axis 628 (e.g., so that the imagingaxis 628 is substantially coincident with or parallel to the second axis744 and the reference plane 200). For instance, the apparatus 700 may berotated about rotation axis 734 by 90° (e.g., where the rotation axis734 is substantially perpendicular to the imaging axis 628). See FIG.31. The specimen may then be imaged to obtain a second image of thespecimen and the first and second images analyzed to verify tissuemargins. While also not discussed in more detail, the apparatus 700 mayinclude, like other apparatuses and embodiments disclosed herein, asecond volume extending from a third external side 760 of the apparatus700 to an opposite fourth external side 764 (labeled in FIG. 30) of theapparatus 700 that is free of any portion having a density (e.g.,radiodensity) greater than either a density (e.g., radiodensity) of theelastically deformable portion 716 of the first positioning member 704or a density (e.g., radiodensity) of the elastically deformable portion724 of the second positioning member 708. The second volume extendsalong and about the second axis 744 and encompasses the specimen supportvolume 728. For instance, the second volume may extend up to innersurfaces of the first and second support ledges 713, 714. In onearrangement, the first image may be obtained along the second axis 744and the second image obtained along the first axis 740.

Turning now to FIG. 36, another embodiment of the apparatus 100 isdisclosed and identified by the reference numeral 900 in the interest ofclarity (e.g., rather than 100″″″ or the like) and similar referencenumerals (e.g., 104 in FIGS. 3 and 804 in FIG. 36 to indicate a firstpositioning member) have been used to the extent possible. Broadly, theapparatus 900 includes a first or lower positioning member 904 having abody 912 and an at least partially elastically deformable portion 916(e.g., a “retention” portion or member), and a second or upperpositioning member 908 having a body 920 and an at least partiallyelastically deformable portion 924 (e.g., a “retention” portion ormember).

As shown in FIG. 37, the first positioning member 904 includes anopening 970 (e.g., depression) extending partially through the body 912from an upper portion 972 towards an opposite lower portion 974 of thebody 912, where the elastically deformable portion 916 of the firstpositioning member 904 is a lower surface or wall of the opening 970 andthe elastically deformable portion 924 of the second positioning member908 is a bottom or lower wall of the body 920 of the second positioningmember 908. The opening 970 includes a specimen support volume 928 thatis configured to receive a tissue specimen 300 disposed (e.g., placed)onto the elastically deformable portion 916. See FIG. 38. The first andsecond positioning members 904, 908 are configured to be fixablypositioned relative to each other to non-movably retain the specimen 300between the first and second elastically deformable portions 916, 924within the specimen support volume 928 of the apparatus 900. In thisregard, the apparatus 900 may be in the form of a container that isconfigured to secure the specimen 300 within the specimen support volume928 of the apparatus 900. In one arrangement, the second positioningmember 908 may be configured to be press fit (e.g., friction fit,pushed) at least partially into the opening 970 towards the elasticallydeformable portion 916 of the first positioning member 904 to fixablyposition the first and second positioning members 904, 908 relative toeach other and thereby non-movably retain the specimen 300. CompareFIGS. 37, 38, 40 and 36. That is, once the second positioning member 908has been press fit into the opening 970 at a particular depth (e.g.,such that the elastically deformable portion 924 of the secondpositioning member 908 at least partially contacts and at leastpartially deforms about a portion of a specimen 300), the secondpositioning member 808 (e.g., and specimen 300) may remain within theopening 970 at the particular depth (e.g., even if the apparatus 900 isrotated upside down) until the second positioning member 908 is manuallyremoved from the opening via an external force (e.g., via grasping andforcibly removing the second positioning member 908 from the opening970).

In another arrangement, the first positioning member 904 may include atleast one restraint member 976 (e.g., protrusion, clip, latch, rib,etc.) extending partially into the opening 970 and that is configured torestrain the second positioning member 908 within the opening 970 of thefirst positioning member 904 against movement out of the opening 970(e.g., in a direction away from the elastically deformable portion 916of the first positioning member 904). For instance, the restraint member976 may be positioned adjacent an entrance to the opening 970 (e.g.,adjacent the upper portion 972 of the body 912). In one arrangement, therestraint member 976 may be in the form of a protrusion or ledge thatprotrudes into the opening 970 about a periphery of the entrance to theopening 970. As just one example, the upper portion 972 of the body 912may include a rigid board 978 or the like (e.g., constructed of anyappropriate low attenuating or radiolucent material) having an openingtherethrough that is aligned with the opening 970, where an innercross-dimension (e.g., inner diameter) of the opening of the board 978is less than that of the opening 970 to create the restraint member 976.In this regard, the second positioning member 908 may be inserted intothe opening 970 such that an upper portion 926 of the second positioningmember 908 is urged (e.g., snaps) past the restraint member 976; at thispoint, the restraint member 976 may restrain or limit removal of thesecond positioning member 808 from the opening 870 (e.g., in the absenceof an external force).

Various other forms of restraint members are envisioned and encompassedherein. In one arrangement, the restraint member 976 may be an integralportion of the body 912 of the first positioning member 904 thatprotrudes into the opening 970. As another example, the secondpositioning member 908 may include one or more grooves (e.g., a seriesof grooves) about an outer periphery of the body 920 that are eachconfigured to receive the restraint member 976. For instance, a usercould insert the second positioning member 908 into the opening 970towards a specimen 300 until the specimen provides at least someresistance to movement. The user may then release the second positioningmember 908 so that the restraint member 976 enters a closest groove atwhich point the first and second positioning members 904, 908 may befixably positioned relative to each other and the specimen may benon-movably retained in the apparatus 900. In this regard, the restraintmember 976 may be configured to ratchet into and past each respectivegroove until seating in a particular groove. Of course, the restraintmember 976 could also be positioned on the second positioning member 908and one or more grooves or openings could be disposed on the firstpositioning member 904 (e.g., on an inside surface of the opening 970).While the opening 970 of the first positioning member and the body 920of the second positioning member 908 have been illustrated as beinggenerally rectangular in shape, various other shapes are also envisioned(e.g., circular, etc.).

In use, a surgeon or other medical personnel may place an excised tissuespecimen 300 onto the elastically deformable portion 916 of the firstpositioning member 904 within the opening 970. See FIG. 38. Thepositioning apparatus 800 may then be oriented at a first orientationrelative to a support surface (e.g., horizontal surface, not shown) andthe specimen 300 may be imaged along a first axis 940 through theapparatus 900 and specimen support volume 928 to obtain a first image ofthe specimen 300 (imaging source and detector not shown). See FIG. 39.For instance, the apparatus 900 may be positioned so that the imagingaxis 412 of an imaging signal 400 (e.g., electromagnetic radiationsignal, such as an x-ray) is coincident with and/or substantiallyparallel to the first axis 940 through the apparatus, where the firstaxis 140 is substantially perpendicular to the elastically deformableportions 916, 924 of the first and second positioning members 904, 908.

In one arrangement, the specimen 300 may be imaged along the first axis940 without the second positioning member 908 being positioned withinthe opening 970 of the first positioning member 904 as shown in FIG. 39(e.g., to reduce any signal attenuation along the first axis 940 duringthe imaging). In another arrangement, the specimen 300 may be imagedalong the first axis 940 with the second positioning member 908 beingpositioned within the opening 970 of the first positioning member 904(e.g., as in FIG. 36). For instance, the second positioning member 908may be inserted into the opening 970 so that the elastically deformableportions 916, 924 of the first and second positioning members 904, 908at least partially elastically deform about opposite first and secondportions of the specimen 300 (e.g., similar to FIG. 5) and so that thefirst and second positioning members 904, 908 are fixably positionedrelative to each other as discussed above. While not shown, a referenceplane (e.g., reference plane 200 of FIGS. 4-7) may be defined betweenthe elastically deformable portions 916, 924 of the first and secondpositioning members 904, 908. In this case, the imaging signal 400 wouldtravel along the imaging axis 412 and first axis 940 through the secondpositioning member 908, the specimen 300, and then the first positioningmember 904 before being received at a detector (not shown), where theimaging signal 400 is perpendicular to the reference plane.

In any case, and after the specimen has been imaged along the first axis940 and the second positioning member 908 has been inserted into theopening 970 to fixably retain the specimen 300 against movement betweenthe elastically deformable portions 916, 924 of the first and secondpositioning members 904, 908, the positioning apparatus 900 may bereoriented into a second orientation relative to the support surface(e.g., such as 90° relative to the first orientation, see FIG. 41) andthen the specimen 300 may be imaged along a second axis 944 (orthogonalto first axis 940 and along or coincident with the reference planebetween the elastically deformable portions 916, 924 of the first andsecond positioning members 904, 908) through the apparatus 900 to obtaina second image of the specimen 300 (see FIG. 42, specimen not shownbecause it is disposed within apparatus 900, but similar to FIG. 7).Advantageously, the specimen 300 may remain substantially fixed ornon-movable within the specimen support volume 928 of the apparatus 900as the apparatus 900 is being reoriented (e.g., due at least in part tothe first and second elastically deformable portions 916, 924).

Each of the first and second positioning members 904, 908 (e.g., andthus the elastically deformable portions 916, 924) may be substantiallyor fully constructed of any appropriate radiolucent solid material(e.g., polymeric foam(s), such as respective blocks of solid foam) toallow the imaging signal 400 to be transmitted therethrough along thefirst and second orthogonal axes 940, 944 through the apparatus 900(e.g., including through the specimen support volume 928) to obtain therespective first and second images of the specimen (e.g., for use inspecimen margin verification and the like). As mentioned previously, thelow density and substantially uniform, homogeneous material propertiesof solid foams substantially eliminates or at least reduces attenuationof the imaging signal 400 passing through the apparatus 900 and thussubstantially eliminates or at least reduces the likelihood of theapparatus appearing in the images of the specimen 300 whilecorrespondingly increasing the quality (e.g., contrast, resolution,etc.) of the images (e.g., for use in verifying tissue margins,identifying suspicious locations or areas in the excised tissue specimento be subsequently analyzed by a pathologist, and/or the like).

FIG. 43 presents a perspective view of a packaging 1000 that may be usedship and/or store one or more of the apparatuses disclosed herein (e.g.,apparatus 100, apparatus 900, etc.). For instance, the packaging 100 maybe in the form of a gas-impermeable pouch or envelope (e.g., medicalgrade foil, metalized plastics, etc.) within which an apparatusdisclosed herein is configured to be sealed. In the case where theapparatus is constructed substantially entirely of a polymeric foam orthe like, evacuation of the interior of the packaging 1000 beforesealing of packaging 1000 may cause the volume occupied by the apparatusto decrease, thus reducing the volume occupied by the packagedapparatus.

It is noted that in relation to at least some embodiments disclosedherein (e.g., the apparatuses 500, 500′, the frames/bodies of the firstand second positioning members need not necessarily be constructed of aradiolucent or other low attenuating material due to the first andsecond volumes disclosed herein. It is also noted that most or all ofthe respective sets of first and second positioning members of theapparatuses disclosed herein may be identical to facilitatemanufacturing and assembly of the apparatuses.

The description herein has been presented for purposes of illustrationand description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limitthe invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations andmodifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill andknowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the presentinvention. For instance, various combinations and/or modifications ofthe embodiments disclosed herein are envisioned (e.g., as just oneexample, utilizing the first and second portions 116 ₁, 116 ₂ of FIG. 8in the embodiment of FIGS. 9-11). In one arrangement, the apparatusesmay be disposed into a complimentary shaped transport container (e.g.,tub) transport to the pathologist or the like. Furthermore, while thedisclosed apparatuses have been primarily discussed in the context ofx-ray imaging, it is envisioned that the apparatuses could also be usedto non-movably hold and retain a specimen for other types of imagingoperations (e.g., ultrasound imaging).

In one arrangement, the elastically deformable members 116/124, 516/524,etc. may be configured so that the reference plane 200 is other thanparallel or perpendicular to the imaging axis during both of the firstand second imaging steps. As just one example, the elasticallydeformable portion 116 of the first positioning member 104 of theapparatus 100 of FIGS. 1-7 may be angled or tapered (e.g., at a 45°)relative to the bottom surface of the first positioning member 104(e.g., relative to second external side 156) while the elasticallydeformable portion 124 of the second positioning member 108 of theapparatus 100 of FIGS. 1-7 may be angled or tapered (e.g., at a 45°)relative to the top surface of the second positioning member 108 (e.g.,relative to first external side 152). As neither of the first and secondimaging steps would thus include the imaging axis being substantiallycoincident with or parallel to the reference plane 200, increases inquality of the first and second images may be achieved by limiting thedegree to which the imaging signal 400 may propagate past sharp orcorners or other surface transitions of the first and second positioningmembers.

Furthermore, while the apparatuses have primarily been disclosed for usewith tissue specimens 300, it is envisioned that the apparatuses couldalso be used with other types of specimens (e.g., non-living specimens).Still further, the use of “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. herein (e.g.,“first external side,” “second external side,” etc.) and the like doesnot necessarily connote any specific number of features or components inthe disclosed apparatuses. Rather, such labels have merely been used todifferentiate among a number of common features (e.g., to differentiateamong a number of recesses of the apparatuses) for purposes offacilitating understanding of the various aspects of the apparatuses.

While this disclosure contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what maybe claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific toparticular embodiments of the disclosure. Certain features that aredescribed in this specification in the context of separate embodimentsand/or arrangements can also be implemented in combination in a singleembodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in thecontext of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multipleembodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover,although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more featuresfrom a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from thecombination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explainbest modes known of practicing the invention and to enable othersskilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or otherembodiments and with various modifications required by the particularapplication(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended thatthe appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments tothe extent permitted by the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of imaging a specimen, the methodcomprising: receiving a specimen within an imaging system, wherein thespecimen is disposed within six external sides of an apparatus that ispositionable within the imaging system, wherein disposing the specimenwithin the apparatus includes placing the specimen on a first deformableportion and securing a second deformable portion to the first deformableportion for completely defining a specimen support volume by the firstand second deformable portions that non-movably retains the specimen,wherein a reference plane is defined between the first and seconddeformable portions, and wherein a first side of the six external sidesis substantially parallel to the reference plane; generating, at asource of electromagnetic radiation within the imaging system, an x-raybeam of electromagnetic radiation; sending the x-ray beam along animaging axis through the specimen, wherein the specimen is in a positionrelative to the imaging axis; receiving the x-ray beam at an imagingdetector within the imaging system; and generating an image of thespecimen based on the x-ray beam received at the imaging detector,wherein the image comprises an area of interest of the specimen.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the position is a first position and theimage is a first image, the method further comprising: sending the x-raybeam along the imaging axis through the specimen, wherein the specimenand the apparatus are in a second position relative to the imaging axis;receiving the x-ray beam at the imaging detector; and generating asecond image of the specimen based on the x-ray beam received at theimaging detector, wherein the second image comprises the area ofinterest of the specimen.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein a first axisis defined substantially orthogonal to the reference plane, and whereinthe imaging axis and the first axis are aligned in the first position,but not the second position.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein thespecimen and the apparatus are further oriented relative to a secondaxis substantially orthogonal to the first axis, and wherein the imagingaxis and the second axis are aligned in the second position.
 5. Themethod of claim 3, wherein the first axis is 90 degrees from a secondaxis.
 6. The method of claim 2, wherein the specimen is secured in theapparatus using a first retention member including the first deformableportion and a second retention member including the second deformableportion.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the x-ray beam is free ofcontact with any structures other than the specimen, the first retentionmember, and the second retention member.
 8. The method of claim 6,wherein the specimen is secured in the apparatus by the first deformableportion and the second deformable portion being elastically deformed tosurround opposing portions of the specimen to secure the specimentherebetween within the apparatus.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein thefirst retention member and the second retention member comprise apolymeric material.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the polymericmaterial is foam.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein the first retentionmember and the second retention member comprise a one-piece component.12. The method of claim 8, wherein the received specimen is disposedwithin an opening of the first retention member in the apparatus. 13.The method of claim 2, the method further comprising displaying thefirst image and the second image.
 14. The method of claim 2, wherein theapparatus, from the first position, is rotatable by 90 degrees in any offour directions within the imaging system.
 15. The method of claim 2,wherein a second external side of the six external sides of theapparatus is substantially parallel to the reference plane, and whereinthe imaging axis is substantially perpendicular to the reference planein the first position and substantially parallel to the reference planein the second position.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the imagingaxis intersects the first external side and the second external side inthe first position.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the six externalsides of the apparatus further include a third external sidesubstantially perpendicular to the reference plane and a fourth externalside substantially perpendicular to the reference plane.
 18. The methodof claim 1, wherein the six external sides of the apparatus define arectangular prism.
 19. The method of claim 2, wherein the apparatus isrotated by 180 degrees within the imaging system from the first positionto a third position.
 20. The method of claim 1, wherein each side of thesix external sides lies along a plane either parallel or perpendicularto the reference plane.
 21. The method of claim 1, wherein thedeformable portion, in which the specimen is disposed, lies entirelyalong the reference plane.